Detailing A Boat

[DP 08 GXP]

I have a friend who is wanting me to detail his 27' boat. He is only wanting the outside polished and waxed. The boat gets taken out of the water every time they are are done with and it gets racked so there isn't a water line he says. My question is can I use my Flex PE-14 with either an orange pad or wool pad with some FG-400 on the gel coat to get good results? Also I was wondering if I can use Menz PL to seal it? Do I need to get boat specific products? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[parttimer]

You might need something gel coat specific to power through it. Not sure, I'll let the boat guys chime in....

[RobertJ34]

I know nothing about boats, much less detailing them--but I did a quick search and came across this. It may help. Best of luck.

Pictures: 2000 Baja 232 Boss High Performance Extreme Makeover - Marine 31 Forum

[hbrett29]

I would say it depends how bad the gel coat is. As many of you know the gel coat is much much thicker than clear coat so the marine grade compounds and polishes are much more aggressive than the auto grade. I have tried to use wool pad with meguiars speed compound with little luck. These boats were very oxidized though, so you may have better luck. But I'd say in general you should probably get a few marine products

[DP 08 GXP]

Thanks for the link. Looks like I have an order to place.

[octane]

I have used FG400 in the past with good results on gel coat, don't remember what kind of pad I used, either foam wool or regular wool.

[GenesisCoupe]

Hope this help;

Hydra-Sports 600 horsepower-35 foot boat

[Sunshyne]

I got good results when I switched from a foam pad to a wool pad. The difference is substantial especially if the gel coat has wear and tear on it.

Good Luck

[geekdout]

It sounds like you have not actually seen the boat yet. Make sure you see the condition of the boat before you order anything or quote prices if you are charging your friend.

Marine 31 Heavy Cut Cleaner Wax is a great one step with a lot of cut.
Duragloss #561 and #501 is a great combo and #501 will actually give a fairly long lasting sealant.

[master detailer]

wool pad 1000 grit comp on speed 3 I use a makita. cleaner wax is for stuff thats not to bad but I never use it.But thats just me and I do 100 boats a year so I dont have time to play with it.then I use a sealer then topper spray wax.